The Church is defined in terms of models. None of the existing models of the Church
have incorporated ecological concerns into it's theological framework. Therefore, there is
a lack of a model of the Church that incorporates ecological concerns of the time. `The
Green Model of the Church' fills a lacuna in Catholic ecclesiology. It is an appropriate
theological response to the ecological crisis of our times.
In other words, the book is an attempt to read the Church from the perspective of an
eco-theologian. It is a green reading of the Church dogmas. Theology is both, faith
seeking understanding and faith seeking intelligent action. Theology is not for showcasing
but for intelligent action aimed at social change.
The purpose of this scholarly work is to build a bridge between biological sciences and
theological sciences towards a meaningful social change. It will be of use to those who
function at the grass-root level, in the sphere of ecology and the Church.
Contents
Abbreviations
Preface
Introduction
1. The Contextual Basis of the New Model : Ecological Crisis
2. The Church and the Environment
3. The Five Waves of Eco-Philosophy
4. Biblical and Patristic Basis for the Green Model
5. The Green Model of the Church
6. Greening the Christian Life : Towards an Ecclesiological Praxis and a Remedial
Praxis
7. General Synthesis and Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
Dr. Jose Mathew Vayalilkalappura SJ is a Jesuit priest of the Kerala
Province of the Society of Jesus. He did his M.Sc in Botany at the University of Kerala
and his M.Phil in Plant Tissue Culture at the University of Bharathedasan,
Tiruchirappalli. He did his Licentiate in theology at the Oriental Institute, Rome. He has
a Doctorate in Ecological theology from St. Joseph's Pontifical Institute, Alwaye. He was
an Assistant Professor of Botany & Biotechnology at St. Xavier's College, Trivandrum
and retired as Principal from the same College in 2008. He is the founder Principal of St.
Xavier's College, Calicut.
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